Ogdensburg City Councilors seek $250,000 water and sewer improvement grant

Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - 5:35 pm

By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- City councilors hope to land a $250,000 grant to bring sewer and water lines to the former Diamond Paper Mill property and create 32 new full-time jobs.

The council Monday unanimously approved a resolution allowing city manager John Pinkerton to apply for a Northern Border Regional Commission Grant.

Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson said the city is currently negotiating with two developers, but both would require new water and sewer systems.

He said the proposed redevelopment of the former Diamond property is expected to create more than 32 full-time employment positions and move the city’s waterfront development plan forward.

“This application for funds will accelerate the implementation of required infrastructure, including a pumping station that will support the city’s waterfront vision as a regional destination for residents and tourists alike,” the resolution says.

In February the city sought “expressions of interest” (EOI) from developers and Social Services organizations to enter into a development partnership with the city and the National Development Council to establish, operate and eventually own an active senior living community.

Now with interested developers, Nelson said establishing water and sewer on the remediated property was key to moving the project forward.